Senior SD-WAN Network Architect

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Senior SD-WAN Network Architect to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of enterprise WAN environments. The position requires driving the deployment of resilient, scalable, and secure SD-WAN solutions while leading migrations from traditional WAN architectures to modern platforms. This is a full‑time, direct‑hire (permanent) position operating on a hybrid schedule, requiring three days on‑site each week in either New York, NY or Jersey City, NJ.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide architecture, design, and implementation expertise across Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN platforms.
• Lead comprehensive SD-WAN transformation initiatives from initial design phases through deployment and operational handoff.
• Design and implement complex enterprise routing and switching solutions using BGP, OSPF, IPSec, and Quality of Service (QoS).
• Develop comprehensive network segmentation strategies, policy frameworks, and multi-VRF architectures.
• Create and maintain detailed High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), and architectural decision documentation.
• Develop thorough network test plans and validation procedures to perform solution verification activities.
• Produce precise operational documentation, deployment records, and Day-2 support runbooks.
• Lead migrations from traditional legacy WAN architectures, including MPLS and DMVPN, to modern SD-WAN platforms.
• Integrate deployed SD-WAN solutions with next-generation firewall technologies and security architectures such as SASE and SSE.
• Design and implement high-availability cloud on-ramp connectivity for major cloud infrastructure platforms.
• Serve as the senior technical resource for complex troubleshooting escalations and deployment support.
• Partner and collaborate closely with Network Operations teams to support active production environments.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Extensive experience designing and implementing complex enterprise network architectures.
• Strong hands-on engineering experience with SD-WAN design and deployment.
• Technical proficiency working with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN.
• Advanced expertise in BGP routing and policy design, OSPF, IPSec, traffic engineering, and enterprise routing and switching.
• Proven success leading large-scale WAN modernization and migration projects.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Native or bilingual English language proficiency.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with Git-based configuration management and version control workflows.
• Proficiency using Ansible for network automation and configuration management.
• Experience with Python scripting and API integration.
• Familiarity with diverse network automation and orchestration tools.
• Working knowledge of next-generation firewall technologies.
• Understanding of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions.
• Experience with cloud networking frameworks and connectivity architectures.